In a move that has reignited global debate, U.S. President Donald J. Trump has signed a new executive proclamation reinstating a broad travel ban on citizens from 19 countries — including 10 in Africa — citing national security and public safety concerns.
According to a statement released by the White House on Wednesday, the ban, which takes effect on Monday, fully restricts or limits the entry of individuals from countries deemed to have inadequate identity management, information sharing, or security protocols.
The countries facing a full travel ban include:
- Afghanistan
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
In addition, the administration is imposing partial restrictions on seven other nations, based on assessments of national risk:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
The White House clarified that the proclamation includes several exemptions, including:
- Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
- Current valid visa holders
- Applicants in specific visa categories (such as medical or humanitarian cases)
- Individuals whose entry serves the national interest of the United States
Defending the policy, President Trump described it as a necessary measure to protect American lives and reassert national sovereignty. “We will restore the travel ban — some people call it the Trump Travel Ban — and keep the radical Islamic terrorists out of our country. It was upheld by the Supreme Court and we’re reinstating it to ensure our safety,” he said.
The move marks a return to one of Trump’s most controversial policies during his first term in office. Initially introduced in 2017, the travel ban faced widespread protests and a flurry of legal challenges but was ultimately upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled it was within the President’s constitutional authority.
In the latest proclamation, the White House emphasized the policy was based on a report submitted by the Secretary of State, in collaboration with the Secretary of Homeland Security and other cabinet officials. The report concluded that nationals from the listed countries could pose security risks due to their governments’ failure to meet U.S. vetting standards.
“The president’s duty is to ensure that those entering our country do not pose a threat to the American people,” the statement noted. “This action reflects our commitment to robust immigration enforcement and international cooperation on security standards.”
The new restrictions have already sparked debate among human rights organizations and immigration advocacy groups, with critics warning that the ban could deepen diplomatic rifts and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including refugees and asylum seekers.
As the implementation date approaches, legal experts anticipate new court challenges, while foreign governments and affected communities await clarification on how the proclamation will impact travel and immigration processes moving forward.
